240 ERYTHEA. 
tral portions, which are always below the level of the tide- 
water. Excepting where artificial levees have been added to 
the natural ones, the winter freshets inundate this entire 
area and the waters do not recede until late in spring or 
summer. The herbaceous vegetation is, therefore, late sesti- 
val and autumnal. It succeeds the dry season, as that of the 
plains adjacent precedes it. 
The herbaceous plants on the plains are chiefly annual, 
and the rapidity with which they attain their full size, 
perfect their seeds, and pass away is the wonder of the 
botanical traveler. The wide plain is covered with showy 
Lupines, Clovers, Calandrinias, Platystemons, Beerias, Gilias 
Nemophilas and Allocaryas. The shallow streams and pools 
are edged with handsome Eunani and curious Bolelias. 
The tide of plant life reaches its maximum from April 5 to 
20. In one, two, or three weeks more the brilliant colors 
have faded from the landscape and the vernal aspect is suc- 
ceeded by the dullness and aridity of summer. For months 
there is nothing to be seen but the grass-whitened plain, only 
later relieved by tufts of Grindelia and broad areas of the 
exclusive Hemizonias. 
As the traveler passes late in the year from the sun- 
scorched plains to the riparian region, the change in the 
physiognomy of the country is decided and impressive. 
Even in September and October the river country is as 
fresh and green as the landscape in April on the plains of 
the Sacramento and in the lower foothills of the Sierra. 
The prevailing freshness of foliage is emphasized by the 
strength and richness of autumnal inflorescence. The 
abundantly floriferous blue spikes of Verbena hastata, the 
masses of yellow and blue adorning the bush-like forms of 
Euthamia occidentalis and Aster Douglasii, the light gray 
herbage of Stachys albens and Gnaphalium Californicum, 
are mere instances of decided colors surrounded and a 
times almost buried by the tender foliage of other herba- 
ceous plants. Nor is the verdant landscape effect aided by 
aborescent evergreens, for there are few shrubs or trees that 
are not deciduous. 
